Building on the success of previous editions, the Halong Bay Heritage International Marathon continues to strengthen its reputation as the only race in Vietnam to receive World Athletics Label Road Race status from World Athletics. This recognition reflects the event’s organizational quality and international standards, while creating opportunities to attract an increasing number of elite athletes and members of the international running community to Ha Long.
Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyễn Trí, General Director of DHA Vietnam, the company that owns and organizes the event, said that receiving World Athletics Label status once again demonstrates the event’s commitment to professionalism and excellence. It confirms that the event’s organizational quality and international standards are recognized by the world’s leading governing body for athletics, while also helping strengthen Vietnam’s position on the global marathon map.
According to the Organizing Committee, the 2026 edition is expected to attract around 18,000 runners, including approximately 5,000 international participants—the largest field in the event’s 11 editions. Runners will compete in four standard distances: 42.195km, 21.0975km, 10km and 5km.
The start and finish lines will be at the Quang Ninh Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center on Tran Quoc Nghien Street. The course has been designed and optimized, with both sides of the road closed to traffic. This will help ensure safety and give runners the opportunity to improve their performances, while also offering a unique experience as they run through the majestic landscape of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Notably, the 2025 edition made its mark when Kennedy Kiprop Chelimo clocked 2 hours, 13 minutes and 57 seconds in the 42.195km race, breaking the event record and earning the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon the title “The Fastest Race in the Region.” This achievement further highlights the potential of the Ha Long course to host highly competitive races and attract international runners.
Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, praised the Organizing Committee’s dedication, commitment and professionalism in continually innovating and improving the quality of the race, and gradually building its reputation among the running communities in Vietnam and abroad.
According to the Organizing Committee, to maintain its World Athletics Label status, the 2026 edition will further upgrade its operational standards, from medical and rescue services and race-course safety to the overall runner experience. The Green Dragon Cup was also introduced at the announcement ceremony. Designed specifically for the business community, it aims to foster connections, interaction and the spirit of sport.
With around 18,000 runners expected, alongside visitors from Vietnam and abroad, the Halong Bay Heritage International Marathon in partnership with Li-Ning is expected to remain one of Quang Ninh’s distinctive sports tourism offerings.
Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/cong-bo-mua-giai-2026-giai-marathon-quoc-te-di-san-ha-long-post3417183
